Honeymoon murder suspect Shrien Dewani made a brief appearance in court today after spending more than a month in South Africa’s most notorious psychiatric hospital.
Cape Town’s high court heard that the 34-year-old’s “condition had improved” since his extradition last month and treatment at Valkenberg hospital.
Dewani appeared less confused than during his previous court appearance. He didn’t speak, but blinked a lot and jerked his head.
Members of his family were in court.
Francois van Zyl, Dewani’s counsel, told Judge John Hlophe his client was a voluntary patient at Valkenberg hospital, adding that he was “being fully cooperative”.
Dewani was sent back to hospital for assessments, to return to court on June 20. If he is not deemed fit to be tried within 18 months of arrival, South African officials have agreed he can return to Britain.
Dewani is accused of arranging the murder of his wife, Anni, during their honeymoon to South Africa in November 2010. He denies the charge.
